You can check any blog or magazine and the Wu-Tang Clan will always be listed in the top 5 of greatest hip-hop groups of all time. (Billboard has them at No. 2, after OutKast.) They’ve released seven studio albums and 100 albums combined when you factor in their individual releases. On Tuesday, they invaded Little Caesars Arena for the highly anticipated “The Final Chamber” tour. It was the first time all surviving members – Ghostface Killah, GZA, Cappadonna, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, RZA, U-God, Masta Killa, and Raekwon have performed in Detroit since closing out 2018’s Movement Festival. Young Dirty Bastard (son of deceased member Ol’ Dirty Bastard) has also been touring with the Wu-Tang Clan, performing his father’s songs and verses.
The show started off with a spirited 45-minute set from hip-hop duo Run the Jewels (made up of emcees Killer Mike and El-P), followed by a 15-minute break to change the stage setup. Once the lights went out, the crowd stood as RZA, the group’s longtime leader, rose from under the stage yelling, “Detroit, Michigan, let me feel your energy.” The show was split into four acts with the first being all the high-energy songs off the group’s historic 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). RZA jumped right into performing an energetic “Bring da Ruckus,” which was used as a way to introduce Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and GZA, who joined him on stage as their verses came up. Songs, “Clan in da Front” and “Da Mystery of Chessboxin” followed as all members took the stage simultaneously for the first time of the night. The energy went up higher as the first act ended with the “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” “Method Man,” and “Shame on a Nigga.”
The second set was much more melodic and sonically subdued. Singer Blue Raspberry (a resident of Detroit) kicked it off with a moving rendition of Babra Streisand’s hit “The Way We Were,” which led perfectly into Raekwon dropping “Can it Be All So Simple.” The set ended with Blue Raspberry again lending her vocals to Method Man as he rapped “All I Need.”
The night had a few intangibles and tidbits. The group all had Detroit Pistons jerseys with their names on the back (though they never all actually wore them at the same time). RZA supplied the most small talk of the night as he addressed gun violence in Detroit and in the hip-hop industry overall, and purged the crowd for as much energy as they were willing to give. To no surprise, there weren’t many visual stimulants — no pyrokinetics, smoke machines, cold sparks, or dancers. There was a six-piece band, three large LCD screens that played a mixture of the group’s ’90s music videos, and shaolin warrior silhouettes. The show was about emcees emceeing and delivering the best parts of themselves to the fans. RZA was the ultimate facilitator, Method Man was the most charismatic, and Raekwon was philosophical, while Ghostface Killah, GZA, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa all leaned on strong lyrical performances.
The fourth act was most dynamic as it was highlighted by Young Dirty Bastard’s animated performances of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money.” His dancing and mannerisms were nearly identical to his late father and just as enjoyable to watch. The show ended with performances of “C.R.E.A.M.” (Wu-Tang’s best-selling song) and “Triumph” (the only officially released track featuring all members). Overall the show’s set list was curated well and the Wu-Tang Clan gave a remarkable show that played to their strengths. Not bad for a group of emcees who are well into their AARP years.
